An Insider's Guide to San Francisco

September is National Organic Harvest Month, and there is no finer place to shop for organic produce than the famous Ferry Plaza Farmers Market. Located less than 15 minutes from the Orchard Hotel, this is no ordinary farmers market. The market is renowned for fresh-from-the-farm products, as well as both its prepared and artisan foods. It operates under the auspices of the Center for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture (CUESA), and is considered one of the best places to shop by many of San Francisco’s famous chefs.

Open Tuesday, Thursdays, and Saturdays, the market offers a tempting variety of fruits and veggies, herbs, flowers, eggs and meat, much of it from farms that are certified organic. Regional artisan coffee, breads, jams, honey, and cheeses are also available. On Thursdays, a selection of street food is featured, and local restaurants offer hot meals on Saturdays. Additionally, there are cooking classes and demonstrations, and farm tours.